Big sledge backfires as Melbourne kicked away

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Clayton Oliver of the Demons argues with Liam Shiels of the Hawks after Shiels gave way a free kick off the ball during the 2018 AFL First Semi Final match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 14, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

One Hawk got a little too ahead of himself in the final quarter of Hawthorn’s 33-point loss to Melbourne on Friday, as he went early on a sledge that would have left him feeling a little embarrassed.

The Demons led by 32 points with one quarter to play, although the Hawks got out to a flying start in the final term, and managed to trim the margin back to 18 points.

Hawks skipper Jarryd Roughead then lined up for goal with just over 11 minutes played, and drilled his set shot to cut the lead to just two goals.

Hawthorn were visibly up and about, with one Hawk yelling out “You’ve blown it. You blokes are choking, you blokes are choking!”

Any Demon in the vicinity would have heard the remark, although Melbourne were able to hold off the Hawks, booting four of the last five goals of the game to storm into a Preliminary Final against West Coast next Saturday.